What is massage therapy?

Massage is where they push your muscles around a little to help you relax right? Some scented oils and relaxing music, but what else is it going to do to help?

Massage relaxes the body and releases the muscles to reduce pain and improvement movement.  

During massage, your therapist may rub or knead your muscles, either through a medium such as a towel or directly with the use of massage oil. The joints may be mobilised and stretched to open restrictions and relieve pain.

What is massage used for?

Massage is used in many different cultures as a therapeutic tool, assisting in health maintenance by keeping the body relaxed and loose, benefit circulation and easing the mental stresses of life.

Remedial massage may not only be applied to local areas of discomfort but also to distal regions of the body to allow full relaxation and encourage the restoration of men’s and women’s health.

It is often pain or restricted movement that prompts a visit to a massage therapist, however when the wisdom of Oriental medicine is brought into the treatment then a vast range of conditions can be benefitted.

Styles of massage

There are many different modalities of remedial massage available and at Dantian Health the focus is on the Oriental modalities of Tuina (Chinese remedial massage) and Shiatsu (Japanese massage).

Eastern massage therapy draws upon the learned wisdom of Chinese medicine theory, using the understanding of pathways throughout the body to treat a variety of external musculoskeletal conditions as well as internal health concerns.

By incorporating stimulation of specific acupuncture points, Oriental remedial massage provides a great alternative health maintenance option for people who are uncomfortable with the use of acupuncture needles.

Cupping, Gua Sha and moxibustion are often used in conjunction with the hands-on approach of direct massage therapy to help consolidate and deepen the systemic effects of the treatment.

Learning massage

Massage is not a regulated profession, and thus the levels of education vary.

Typically a remedial therapist will have a minimum Diploma level qualification, generally of 1-2 years duration. This study will involve understanding of basic anatomy and physiology, massage styles and supervised clinical practice.

Often a therapist will also have studied additional styles or modalities of interest which are incorporated into their unique treatment style.

Massage at Dantian Health

Dantian Health offers massage primarily influenced by the styles of Tuina and Shiatsu. Jason also has training in myofacial release techniques and a basic qualifications in Western remedial and sports massage.

Massage services are currently on hold at Dantian Health.